Cheapest Movers in Portsmouth, OH (2025 Guide)

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Jun 1, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Quick answer: We evaluated 68 Ohio movers, and Bellhop Moving rose to the top for local moves in Portsmouth, OH, due to their competitive pricing, range of options, and positive customer feedback. Our choice for long-distance or out-of-state relocations from Ohio, is Safeway Moving. We like that they maintain reasonable rates without skimping on service quality.

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I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.

Preferred partner:

Bellhop Moving

4.62
Best local OH mover:

Bellhop Moving

4.62
Best interstate mover:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best DIY moving option:

U-Haul Truck Rental

4.15

Need more help? Build your move plan.

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Preferred partners

Company	Quote	Rating
Bellhop Moving	Get A Quote	4.62 / 5
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.85 / 5
International Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.45 / 5

Our track record

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

Founded in 2015
3,500+ moving companies analyzed
$50,000 in moving grants delivered
Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
Fact-checked for accuracy

6 Cheapest movers when moving locally in Portsmouth, OH

If you're planning a move within Portsmouth or to a nearby Ohio city no more than 50 miles away like New Boston or Otway, take a look at these top-rated, budget-friendly moving companies:

Preferred Partner

Bellhop Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars

Other top partners:

Central Van & Storage, Inc.: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems: 4.24 out of 5 stars
Evans Van & Storage: 3.9 out of 5 stars
Dunbar Transfer: 3.9 out of 5 stars
Chesapeake Transfer: 3.62 out of 5 stars

Bellhop Moving

79 East Seventh Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (34%)
Professional and polite staff (32%)
Good communication (26%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (29%)
Lack of communication (26%)
Unexpected charges (24%)

Review Analysis

When timing and professionalism count, Bellhop Moving stands out in customer feedback. Of the 38 reviews assessed, almost 58% delivered positive sentiment, while almost 40% reflected dissatisfied experiences. Customers highlight consistent professionalism, efficiency, careful attention to belongings, and approachable movers. Friendly attitudes and reliable performance under tough conditions, like bad weather, set Bellhop apart from many low-cost alternatives. Reports of fast, careful moves and easy booking are frequent. On the downside, damaged items, delayed or canceled moves, and unexpected extra charges surface often. Some clients experienced property damage or last-minute cancellations that created major issues, and several found the compensation process unsatisfactory if things went wrong. Compared to other movers, Bellhop is more frequently praised for politeness and efficiency but criticized more than average for inconsistent arrival and resolution of complaints.

Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Company Info

Years in Business: 13

DOT #: 2878240

Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving, Bellhops, Inc., Bellhops

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Storage
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required

Central Van & Storage, Inc.

1037 3rd Ave, Huntington, WV 25705 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff (50%)
Efficient service (50%)
Careful handling (50%)

Customer Complaints

Delayed arrival or delivery (67%)
Lack of communication (67%)
Damage to items (50%)

Review Analysis

Central Van & Storage, Inc. customers speak out decisively about their experiences. Out of 6 pieces of feedback, only one-third praise the company, while the rest point to significant challenges. Satisfied customers highlight professional staff, careful handling, and smooth, efficient moves, recommending the company for stress-free relocations. In contrast, disgruntled clients cite high prices, late arrivals, disorganization, and poor communication, indicating a need for improvement in reliability and cost transparency. Compared to industry norms, Central Van & Storage receives stronger criticism for unexpected expenses and timing issues.

Get a Quote (304) 404-4840

Company Info

Years in Business: 28

DOT #: 076235

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Safes
Pay by money order
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card

Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems

1301 7th Ave # A, Huntington, WV 25701 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff (36%)
Careful handling (30%)
Good communication (24%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (42%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (30%)
Lack of communication (27%)

Review Analysis

Feedback paints a clear divide: Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems is praised for having professional, polite staff, handling items with care, working efficiently, offering good rates, and maintaining solid communication. Half of all customer input highlights smooth moves, careful handling, and courteous movers—traits that set them above many local competitors for timely service and affordability. But equally frequent are strong reports of lost valuables, damaged furniture, and unreliable timing. Several customers mention misplacement or theft of personal items and lack of follow-up from management, concerns rarely seen in top-performing moving companies. While many point to a hassle-free, professional experience, others caution against major service and trust issues. Out of 34 reviews, 50% are positive, and 50% negative, making the choice less than straightforward for those considering this company.

Get a Quote (304) 529-2360

Company Info

Years in Business: 35

DOT #: 587135

Alternate Names: Future Enterprises Corporation

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Pay by credit card

Evans Van & Storage

37 Jacobson Dr, Poca, WV 18004374017 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff (34%)
Efficient service (31%)
Careful handling (27%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (22%)
Lack of communication (20%)
Unexpected charges (17%)

Review Analysis

Moving made easy and stress-free—most feedback about Evans Van & Storage points to a high-quality, reliable experience. Out of 130 reviews, 93% reflect satisfied customers, highlighting professional, polite staff, efficient service, careful handling, helpful movers, and clear communication. Movers regularly earn praise for their respectful approach and the care taken with furniture and delicate possessions. Customers describe a well-organized, punctual moving process, frequently noting that nothing arrived scratched or broken. Many cite affordability and flexibility as standout features, with the company frequently able to accommodate changing schedules and specific customer needs. Negative feedback is rare but centers on issues like damaged or missing items, poor communication after problems, and unexpected charges. Compared to other moving companies—often criticized for hidden fees and careless service—Evans Van & Storage appears to set itself apart by consistently delivering professionalism and dependability, making it a recommended choice for local and long-distance moves.

Get a Quote (800) 437-4017

Company Info

DOT #: 070851

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Crating
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card

Chesapeake Transfer

7136 Co Rd 15, Chesapeake, OH 45619 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff (57%)
Efficient service (48%)
Careful handling (43%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (29%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (19%)
Lack of communication (14%)

Review Analysis

Smooth moves are the hallmark of Chesapeake Transfer, based on feedback from 21 customers. More than 90% of input praised friendly, professional staff, fast moves, and affordable pricing. Customers noted movers handled belongings with care and were quick and accommodating, ensuring a stress-free experience. Only 2 critical pieces of input reported frustrations with delayed delivery, lack of communication, and unfulfilled promises, with friends waiting weeks for their possessions. While nearly every customer praised efficient, careful service at reasonable rates, a rare scheduling breakdown was highlighted in complaints. Compared to most moving companies, Chesapeake Transfer stands out for personable crews and fair pricing, making them a trusted choice for local moves.

Get a Quote (740) 479-0370

Company Info

DOT #: 1338118

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Crating
Pay by credit card

Other local OH movers

While these local Ohio movers did not make our top list, they are still worth looking into:

Cheapest movers when moving out of Ohio

If you're relocating from Ohio to a new state, choosing a trusted interstate moving company is key to making the transition smooth. Here are a few of our top picks to get you started:

Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
International Van Lines: 4.45 out of 5 stars
Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Safeway Moving

rating

4.85 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

International Van Lines

rating

4.45 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

24/7 cust. service
Competitive rates
10% discounts

Get A Quote

(855) 929-4120

Mayzlin Relocation

rating

4.9 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

Visit Website

American Van Lines

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

Cheapest DIY moving options in Portsmouth, OH

A full-service mover can make your Portsmouth, Ohio relocation stress-free, but it often comes with a higher price tag. To save a bit, you might want to look into the best moving container companies or explore rental truck options available in Portsmouth.

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

Visit Website

U-Pack

rating

5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Check prices Visit Website

MovingYourself

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Offers car shipping
No hidden fees

Check prices (352) 322-2920

Budget Truck Rental

rating

4.3 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Online pricing
Several discounts

Check prices Visit Website

Top-rated movers in other nearby Ohio cities

See less

How we chose the best movers in Portsmouth, OH

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 68 Ohio movers and listed the top five best movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of movers in Portsmouth, OH

Use the pricing table below to get a general sense of what local moving costs look like in and around Portsmouth. If you want more in-depth info, check out our full guide on moving costs in Ohio.

Keep in mind that the moving quotes provided are just rough estimates. Your actual cost will depend on the specifics of your move. For a more accurate estimate, use our moving cost calculator.

Home Size	Avg. Total Cost	Cost/hour	# of Movers	# Hours
Studio	$517	$195	2 movers	3 hours
1 Bedroom	$740	$199	2 movers	4 hours
2 Bedroom	$1,157	$275	3 movers	5 hours
3 Bedroom	$2,647	$394	4 movers	8 hours
4 Bedroom	$3,002	$390	4 movers	9 hours
5+ Bedroom	$4,749	$551	5 movers	10 hours

Compare the top Portsmouth, OH movers

Let’s compare how the top movers in Portsmouth, OH stack up in terms of their reputation.

Company	moveBuddha rating	BBB rating	Yelp rating	Google rating
Bellhop Moving	4.6/5	C	3.4/5	4.7/5
Central Van & Storage, Inc.	4.4/5	A+		2.3/5
Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems	4.2/5	A+	1.3/5	3.9/5
Evans Van & Storage	3.9/5			4.7/5
Dunbar Transfer	3.9/5		5/5	4.4/5
Chesapeake Transfer	3.6/5	NR	3/5	4.6/5

FAQs

How can I tell if a moving company is licensed?

Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.

All movers included in our listings hold the proper licenses. Visit our best movers in Ohio roundup for suggestions.

How can I choose a reliable mover in Portsmouth?

Searching for a reputable Portsmouth mover can feel overwhelming, but focusing on these important factors can help you narrow down your choices:

Reputation: Whether it’s a local startup or a national van lines company, their track record matters.
Dispute resolution: Avoid companies known for dragging out complaints. Every Portsmouth mover will face customer feedback— the best ones respond quickly and fairly.
Specialized experience: Not all movers are equipped for every job. A company great at local moves might not be ideal for a cross-country relocation. Make sure they’ve done moves like yours.

Do movers in Portsmouth offer long-distance services?

Many Portsmouth moving companies handle long-distance relocations, though some focus solely on local moves. For out-of-state moves, we’ve compiled the best long distance movers in Portsmouth.

What day is usually the least expensive to move in Portsmouth, OH?

The most budget-friendly days to hire movers in Portsmouth, Ohio, are weekdays, since demand tends to be higher on weekends. Generally, the least expensive time to move is during the off-season from October to April. Expect higher rates from May through September due to peak demand.

Booking early is key if you’re planning a move from Portsmouth. For the best deal, steer clear of weekends, holidays, and the busy summer months. Be cautious with quotes that seem too low—some movers may hike the price significantly on moving day.

What’s the most cost-effective way to move from Portsmouth, OH to another state?

Renting a truck is typically the cheapest option for moving out of state or around Portsmouth, Ohio. Just keep in mind that it's a no-frills option. You’ll need to take care of all the packing, loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

Should I consider a moving container for my move from Portsmouth?

Moving containers are a convenient option if you prefer a flexible schedule. Just be ready to handle the loading and unloading yourself. Once you're packed up, the company picks up the container and delivers it to your new place — no need to worry about driving.

Can I get help loading my moving container in Portsmouth?

Yes! Labor-only movers can be a smart add-on if you're using a rental truck or moving container. They’ll take care of the heavy lifting, making your move smoother and more efficient without breaking the bank.

Are storage options available through Portsmouth movers?

Most moving companies in Portsmouth provide storage solutions, whether you need something for a few days or indefinitely. Some movers, however, work with third-party storage providers. Always ask for details about storage services and fees when talking to movers.

Learn more: Should you use your mover's storage solutions?